storage, retrieval, processing and analysis. Millions of smart
elements can be sending real-time data 24/7, so data sets and
data flow can be huge.

Field data is processed continuously in real time, with applications
automating decision-making, performing predictive analyses,
reacting to alarms, and monitoring and controlling operations
across the entire supply chain from mine to shipping. Meanwhile,
in a control room, personnel see and interact with an accurate,
virtual representation of a field or site and all its components.

In this way, an Io T-based company can manage any field
or site digitally, largely automatically – even fully remotely.

■ managing historical data and workflow analyses to create
‘best company practice’ workflows for teams that monitor,
operate, develop and maintain a mine, freeing up engineers
from this responsibility,

■ standardized production data, workforce rosters, and
production allocations for accurate forecasting and efficient
real-time decision-making,

■ integrating representations of the mine sites, production,
injection network, wells, economics and planning tools,
modeling the entire field so operators can optimize
production across multiple sites, optimize the entire supply
chain, and run analyses and forecasts in near real time.

WHAT NOW?

There are no ready-made solutions for integrated mining, which
is why all the current smart mine programs are experimental pilot
projects. Part of the strategy for mitigating innovation risk is to
develop key partnerships. For example:

■ Rio Tinto’s successful AHS driverless truck project was, to
a great extent, due to its strong partnership with Japanese
multinational Komatsu, which supplied the trucks and co-developed the proprietary technology to enable the trucks
to run autonomously.

■ BHP built its driverless truck system in partnership with US
construction equipment giant Caterpillar.

■ Vale’s clever automated conveyor system was the result
of a partnership with Canadian firm Rail-Veyor Technologies
Global Inc.

Does this mean that smaller mining companies are doomed to
forgo the benefits of this industry revolution? Absolutely not!
These programs merely demonstrate what is possible. There are
opportunities for every company, whatever its size. The smart
mine programs of the largest miners provide trials, lessons, and
options for everyone else to pick and choose from. How well
they work, what extra development is necessary to tailor
a solution, what risks must be mitigated, and what costs may
be incurred, is up to each operation.

Driverless rail haulage may be out of reach, but autonomous
drilling rigs may not be, particularly if their price drops as
they become more widely used. But whatever the scale and
complexity of the operation, the starting point for integrated
operations and automation solutions is to integrate your digital
communications.

Start now.

“… an IoT-based company can manage
any field or site digitally,
largely automatically –
even fully remotely. ”